Written by

Lyn Dowling

For FLORIDA TODAY

Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Audi of Melbourne

Address: 509 E. NASA Blvd., Melbourne Years in business: As currently exists, since 2006 Volunteer work and contributions: The company has helped to support: the Scott Center for Autism Research, Candlelighters of Brevard, Holy Trinity Episcopal Academy, the MIMA Foundation, Hibiscus Children’s Center, Wuesthoff Foundation, Health First Foundation, Florida Institute of Technology, Vero Beach Boys and Girls Club, India Fest, Indian River Medical Center, Johns Island Foundation, the Melbourne Regional Chamber of East Central Florida, Vero Beach Opera, Melbourne Central Catholic High, Prevent! of Brevard, the Women’s Center, the Brevard Symphony Orchestra Guild, the Melbourne Art Festival, Make-A-Wish, Brevard County Dental Society, United Way, KLD Youth Foundation and others. Why volunteering is important: “Our desire is to have everyone living healthy and productive lives. Therefore, we donate hundreds of thousands of dollars annually to those charities that are trying to make a difference in Brevard and Indian River Counties,” said owner and general manager Shay Rowe.

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To say that Shay Rowe has been successful since he took over Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Audi of Melbourne in 2006 is an understatement. The dealership is thriving, having undergone substantial increases in the size of its work force as well as the volume of its sales.

Its reputation and judicious use of advertising has brought buyers and service-seekers from beyond the Space Coast. The dealership has received numerous honors and awards from the companies whose vehicles it sells, including this year’s Mercedes-Benz Best of the Best Dealer Recognition Award.

For Rowe, that’s not enough. And so the people of the dealership contribute volunteer hours as well as money, largely to organizations that help families in need and those connected to health care, which has brought it nomination as Business of the Year in FLORIDA TODAY’s Volunteer Recognition Awards.

“Our guiding principle is to be mindful and humble in our actions and words. We are selective of our partnerships and treat the ultimate beneficiaries of our donations with respect,” Rowe said.

“The Mercedes team knows hard work and service can make the difference,” said Sandy Grutta, coordinator at the Health First Foundation, who nominated the company. Whether it’s collecting shoes for Sole4Soles International, running in the Witch Way 5K to benefit the Nature Conservancy or driving one of the Mercedes Sprinter Shuttle vans for many charity fund-raisers its employees are passionate about, they pitch in in every way.”

Grutta said the dealership has provided or pledged more than $100,000 in financial support for equipment at the Health First Heart Center. She noted that Rowe is notable for showing up to the large number of functions to which he is invited.

John Thomas, director of football operations for Florida Institute of Technology, of which Rowe also is a supporter, added: “I cannot think of a more deserving business for this award than Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Audi of Melbourne.”